Journal of the Indian Medical Association
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The incretin effect denominates the phenomenon that oral glucose elicits a higher insulin response than intravenous glucose. Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide are the principal hormones responsible for incretin effect. In patients with type 2 diabetes the incretin effect of these hormones is impaired. ⋯ These groups of medications have similar efficacy with regards to glycaemic improvement (reduction of HbA1c between 0.5 to 1.1%) and have side-effects like nausea. The incretin mimetics are injectable agents and are more likely to reduce weight or be weight neutral when compared to the oral gliptins. Long-term studies are essential to determine the real potential and role of these newer agents in the management of type 2 diabetes.